What a Wedding

Well did I go to a fantastic wedding last weekend!  It was my cousin's wedding and no expense was spared!  The day was full of surprises.  Firstly his best man turned out to be Darius of Pop Idol fame.  I didn't get to speak to him but when we arrived he was very lovely and kissed my hand!  At the wedding breakfast he serenaded the bride and groom with the string quartet playing - it was just magical!  We were also treated to a magician - can you tell me how he cut open a satsuma and retrieved from the middle of it a £10 note that one of us had just signed!! - it was brilliant!  Next surprise was in the grounds of the stately home where the wedding was held we had to move to another part of the grounds for the evening reception.  The bride and groom arrived by helicopter - how cool!  In the corner of the marquee was a chocolate fountain - I've not tried one before - but can confirm absolutely scrummy........  Later in the evening we were treated to a firework display (which I loved) and then - wait for it - Sister Sledge - yep you read that right Sister Sledge came and did a set - they were just fantastic - the place was rocking and I loved every minute of it (can you tell) LOL.  Anyway here are some photos of the day.....

Now as any crafter will know we don't like waste and at the end of the wedding breakfast I asked the bride if I could go round and collect all the name place settings as they all had on these gorgeous crystals on them - it was funny as I had some of the kids all helping me to collect them up!  I've got LOADS now so you may well start seeing them on cards very soon!!!!!!

If you've reached here - well done!!!! Hope I've not bored you, but just had to share in the magical day that I had!

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Oooh must also mention that my cousin phoned me on Monday to say that he and Claire thought that my wedding card was lovely and that they could see that I had followed the colours and style of their wedding invite (which I had) and that it stood out from all the other cards that they were given and that they love it!!  How nice was that to call and thank me - and thats what making cards is all about - that compliment in itself made my day! (The wedding card in question is on a post below - its got crystals and swirls on it).

Tina

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Twins birthday

A friend of mine has got twins a boy and a girl called Max and Mia who will be 5 this week.  I made their cards using the Candy Doodles by Polka Doodles.

I think these images are so cute!

Edited to add - I can't believe it I forgot to post these off yesterday so they will be late for the twins - how annoying is that!!!

Altered Book

At the last craft club that I go to organised by the lovely lynne we were all given some grunge board and access to all of Lynne's lovely Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Alterations die cuts.  Here is how mine came out.  Its a step away from my usual style - but I have to say I'm beginning to love those distress inks.....!!  The gorgeous butterfly was also from Lynne and I believe it started life as part of a necklace!

Thought I would enter it into a couple of challenges:-

http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/2010/07/anything-but-card-challenge-41.html - Anything but a card

http://craftyangelsonline.blogspot.com/2010/07/week-41-shabby-chic.html - Shabby Chic

Let's Ink It Up - DT call

There is a new challenge blog with a DT call.   Suzanne over at Let's Ink It Up is starting the new blog.  The DT call is from 19th July to 8th August.  She is looking for 6 ladies.  You will find all the details via the above link.

Anyway Suzanne I'm sending you a seperate e-mail as requested, but here are my three fave stamped cards:-

Ooops I've put more than 3! but couldn't make up my mind!  Hope you like what you see!!

Wedding Cards

We've got a family wedding coming up soon, so thought I would make some cards - I say some as I offered my mum and my sister to make cards for them!

So here are the cards:-

This will be mine (you know me with swirls and sparkles!)

This is the one for my mum (a more traditional look)

A the one for my sister

I've e-mailed them the photos and they both are really pleased with the cards - although my sis and I were discussing removing the bow off of her one and put something else on instead - so need to re jig that card.  In fact my sis really loved the one I did for my mum - so might even make another one if I get a chance!

Materials used:

My card:

Swirl stamps from a set call Pollen Dust by FFancy Pants

Frilly Square by Go Kreate

Text: computer generated

Crystals, Ribbon and Diamante slide from stash

Card: Craftwork Cards

Mum's card:

Couple, cake and sentiment from a set from Inkadinkado Wedding/Marriage

Frilly Square: Go Kreate

Heart doily: Ribbon Box

Black Pearls: Hobbyhouse

Black Bows: M&S table confetti

Ribbon, joined hearts, and feathers from stash

Card: Craftwork Cards

Sister's card:

BP and image from Pink Petticoat

Ribbon from stash

Card: Craftwork Cards

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #38

I've been busy crafting some wedding cards today (more on that tomorrow).  I've also managed to make this card to enter into The Play Date Challenge # 38. 

Here is the photo inspiration:-

Here is my entry

A little close up

Card Blank: Craftwork Cards
Stamps: Inkadinkado, Stampin' Up and Craftwork Cards
Frilly Square: Go Kreate
D'vine Swirls embossing folder: Provo Craft
Ribbon: from stash
Papers: various from stash

Daring Cardmakers Seeing Silhouettes

Thought I would join in the Daring Cardmakers Seeing Silhouettes challenge this week, and I will just about make it as it finishes tomorrow! 

Here is my entry:-

I've used the following stamp sets to create this card:-
Flower swirl border at bottom: Stampin up
Butterflies: Gilded Cages by Craftwork Cards
Tree: Utopiary by Inkadinkado

Craftwork Cards Sketch 4 Challenge

Here is my entry into this weeks sketch challenge at Craftwork Cards.

This is the sketch

This is my card

I've used the Glitz and Glamour range of papers and the pink backing paper is from their Blossom collection.

3-D Frame

Well as promised here are the photos of the 3-D frame that I gave you the sneak peak for last week....

Here is the full photo of the finished frame.

This is the constuction stage! First the 3-d back.  I created a box with an extra flap to fold over at the top so that it would stick to the back of the frame.  Before I glued it all together I stamped the background with some swirls and butterflies and added some crystals.  Next I added some pretty blue lace to the right hand side of the photo and added the large flower in the corner.

Now for the frame.  I painted the frame with some cream paint.  Once that was dry I then added some Jo Sonja's  Opal Dust to give the lovely glittery effect.  I then added my cream, then blue, then pink ribbons.  On top of that I layered the flowers and popped in two little birdies.


In the photo below you can just see the glittery effect... and one of the butterflies that I added to the frame right at the end.

And some close ups... spot the birdie!

In the centre of the large flowers I put these gorgeous crystal effect flowers which are in fact buttons

Went to my craft club on Tuesday which is what this project was for.  There were six of us who had altered our frames, everyone individual and all of them were stunning.  It was great to see how everyone else had decorated theirs.  Our craft tutor Lynne was thrilled that we had all made the effort and as soon as she has photos of them all she will post them on to here blog here. 

Lucy's Buttons Challenge

Thought I would join in  Lucy's blog challenge and make a card that included buttons.  I haven't used my kraft cardstock in ages, I had forgotten just how well it goes with everything.....!

The bird cage was given to me by my blogging buddy and friend Shirl and it was cut out using her Gypsy. 

The buttons and bow are from Papermania

The bird image is from a set called Gilded Cages by Craftwork Cards

The sentiment is from a stamp set by Paula Pascual.

A day out at Silverstone

Well hubby and I were very lucky a the weekend as we were treated to a day out at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.  The added BIG bonus of the day was that we travelled on - ready for it - The Orient Express Northern Belle.  We had a brillant time.  We went with hubby's sister and her husband.  The day started very early as we left their house 7am to get to Euston by 8.15am to catch the Orient Express.  We had a lovely Bellini followed by a continental breakfast.  This was mine and hubby's first - and probably only - time on the Orient Express and boy it was a real, real treat, the seats are like big comfy armchairs and the whole ambience of the train is wonderful.  So we were whisked off to Milton Keynes and then it was a coach trip to Silverstone.  We had a seat in the Becketts stand - that had fantastic views of quite a bit of the track and more importantly in the heat of the day there was a lovely breeze once you were up in your seat (much to our relief!!)  The Red Arrows did a fantastic display just before the race which was just a-ma-zing.  Then the race began and we were all delighted that Jenson Button managed to get up to 4th place in the race and it was great that Lewis came 2nd (obviously it would have been nicer if either of them two had won......!)  Its a great atmosphere, and the noise as the cars speed past you is sooo loud - luckily we had ear plugs!  After the race it was back on the coach and a rather long journey back to Milton Keynes because of all the traffic - but The Orient Express Northern Belle was ready and waiting for us with a lovely cold glass of champers as we boarded (ooohhhh I could get used to this lifestyle....)  We then had a 3 course meal with more champers, wine and a glass of port with some cheese and biscuits too!  The train on the way home actually takes you up to Birmingham before it comes back down to Euston so that there is enough time to enjoy your meal.  We finally got back to their's at 10.30pm - absolutely exhausted, but looked back on this once-in-a-lifetime experience that we had had.

Here are a few photos of the day...

Champers at breakfast

The compulsory hats! (although I didn't have one!!)

The Red Arrows

View from seats to the left

View from seats to the right

Some cars on the track! (but they look like ants in this photo!)

Dinner is served (this is the starter) and it was scrummy!

We reach Birmingham......

Standing by the train

Hope you've enjoyed that little trip with me!!! and that you've not dropped off!!!

Fabulous Award

I was delighted to find that I've been given this award from my blogging buddy Cathy.  Thank you very much Cathy.  Now part of the rules are:-

• Thank the person who gave you the award
• Tell 7 things about yourself
• Pass on to 5 other bloggers who you think are fantastic! (This is the hardest bit as there are so many to choose from!)

 Right so here are 7 things about me:-

1. I could craft all day (given the chance!)
2. I love walking my dog Tilly
3. Swimming is my favourite exercise (just don't do it enough!)
4. I like a milky coffee at 10.30/11.00am and tea at 3pm!
5. I used to be a PA in London
6. My hair is naturally straight but I like to put curls in it!!
7. I'm addicted to blogging - just ask my husband!

Here are the 5 people I would like to pass this award on to:-

Shirley
Sally
Kath
Lynda
Anesha

Hope you all accept and thanks to you all for the constant inspiration.

Tina
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Card in a box!

I've had this card in my stash for a while as I made it for a challenge a while back and I've wanted to send it to someone, but it obviously needed something more than an envelope. So because I had to get my Crafters Companion out of the cupboard (for the very first time!) to make an element for my frame (on the sneak peak post below- another clue!) I thought I would make a box for this card - and can I say making boxes is a breeze with the Crafters Companion! I think I've found my new fave thing to do!!!

I decorated the top of the box too.

Now the eagle eyed among you will have noticed the paperclips - they are not an element of my design but merely put in place to hold the card together whilst its in the box to stop it from springing open!!! (he he).  I dropped it round to my friends the other day, for her birthday today.

Hope you have a lovely weekend - enjoy this gorgeous weather (even if it is too hot)!

Tina
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Sneak Peak

Here is a sneak peak I promised yesterday of the frame that I've altered for my craft club next week....

As I said yesterday I'm really pleased with how its turned out.  Don't know about you but I start with one idea and about 5 ideas later I finally settle on what I'm happy with and get the job finished!

Tilly at Agility

I don't know if  I've mentioned before but I've been taking Tilly to dog agility classes!  We have lots of fun and Tilly seems to really enjoy it.  Trouble is she has a very unfit owner who struggles to keep up with her...........!!!!! LOL  So hopefully all the running around I'm doing will go someway to get me fit too!  Thought I would share this photo of Tilly.  I didn't actually take it as I was running around the course with her (and thankfully there is no sign of me!!!)  I think its a great shot.

I love the way it looks like she is smiling and her ears......... scrumptious!

WOYWW Wednesday 57

Thought I would join in the WOYWW again this week - such fun. 

Here is my desk this week, some might say tidy - I don't think so. Anyway I've been working on a project to take to a craft club that I go to once a month.  Lynne who organises it set us all a challenge last month.  We were given a plain photo frame and asked to decorate it how we liked - the best in the class will win a prize.  Well it has been sitting on my desk for the last 3 weeks looking sad and bare - so today I've finally managed to do something with it!  The flower in the bottom right hand corner is a clue and tomorrow I'm going to post a "sneak peak" too.

So the things on my desk are what I've been trying out and using today, ribbons, stamps, crystals my fave tonic butterfly punch, glues, ink pads - I've been having a nice play......... Oh and I'm really pleased with how my frame has turned out!

A bag for of goodies

We have got some friends over this weekend and they are bringing their two daughters (who I don't get to see that often) so I decided to give them each a little crafty gift. I decorated two plain white gift bags and added a tag with their names on and inside I stuffed the bags full of crafty goodies that I'm never going to use. I buy craft magazines all the time and never use the cover mounted gifts so I had plenty of things to give the girls. I'm going to add some sweeties too.

Hopefully the girls will like their little gift!

My fingers are crossed that the rain holds off until I've cooked my BBQ tomorrow night!!

Enjoy your weekend whatever you are doing.

Tina
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Craftwork Cards Sketch 3 Challenge

Afternoon all this is the sketch for the next Craftwork Cards sketch challenge:-

and here is my entry - as you can see I'm still loving that butterfly punch......lol


The pattern paper is from their Blossom collection and white spotty embossed paper is from their elegantly embossed collection.